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6th out of 134 books
—
207 voters
Carol of the Bellskis (Bellskis #1)
by
Astrid Amara (Goodreads Author)
Paralegal Seth Bellski is tired of being the secret lover of his boss, Lars Varga, founding partner of Finch & Varga Law. So when he asks Lars to spend Hanukkah with Seth's family at their kosher B and B in Whistler, B.C., and Lars refuses, Seth realizes he will never get his self-conscious boss out of the closet.
So Seth prepares to spend his Hanukkah holiday alone in...more
So Seth prepares to spend his Hanukkah holiday alone in...more
ebook, 1st Edition, 100 pages
Published
December 14th 2009
by Loose Id
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I was really in the mood for this story set around Hanukkah. I always like stories about a relationship in crisis and how the couple work and change to save their relationship and so this was just perfect for me. I liked Seth and completely understood that his feelings have been building for a year before he hits crisis point. I wanted to hate Lars at first but found him a sympathetic character too by the middle of the book, and it was proof of the skill of this author that I was able to see thi...more
6 likes · like · see review
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This was an interesting and fun story, I loved the chemistry between Seth and Lars, so very nice and quite dreamy. They're a good match for each other, the constant touches and glances were tender and sweet. I liked Lars, he was a fool at the beginning but soon came around to figuring out what was important, his love for Seth. Chuckles and laugh out moments and the guests were an eccentric bunch, quite a challenging experience for Seth, who did survive with Lars help. A funny and enjoyable roman...more
3 likes · like · see review
REVIEW OF FIRST READING DECEMBER 2009 (2 STARS):
I abandoned this fast. The two stars are because of that. The protags may have gotten better further in the book but it was already too late. I couldn't stand either of them.
While I could sympathise with Seth's position, I hate whiny people and they don't last long for me in my romances. Lars was just an asshole and these don't last long in my RL. Put the two together and I just felt way too old to want to read about them.
A pity because I loved Am...more
I abandoned this fast. The two stars are because of that. The protags may have gotten better further in the book but it was already too late. I couldn't stand either of them.
While I could sympathise with Seth's position, I hate whiny people and they don't last long for me in my romances. Lars was just an asshole and these don't last long in my RL. Put the two together and I just felt way too old to want to read about them.
A pity because I loved Am...more
2 likes · like · see review
I loved that Seth stuck to his guns for a few days so that Lars got that this wasn't a temper tantrum. At the same time I like that Lars was persistent. It was evident that these two loved each other but didn't know how to get past their fears. The disappearance of Seth's Aunt and Uncle made them work to their favor pushing them to work together and compromise a little each day. The rest of it was just funny. The patience that comes with running and B & B is not something that I would have i...more
I'm stingy with the five stars. Very stingy. Very very stingy.
But this book quite deserves it. It's short and not very epic in the awwwww/omg way, but it packs everything you need from a romance story with it.
The characters were realistic, detailed, distinct and lovable. Their logic is human and justifiable. Their interaction is sweet but not-diabetic, and you can't help but root for them because they really do seem right for each other. The secondary characters were absolutely delightful, quirk...more
But this book quite deserves it. It's short and not very epic in the awwwww/omg way, but it packs everything you need from a romance story with it.
The characters were realistic, detailed, distinct and lovable. Their logic is human and justifiable. Their interaction is sweet but not-diabetic, and you can't help but root for them because they really do seem right for each other. The secondary characters were absolutely delightful, quirk...more
This was a very nice story. Well written, it's an easy and fun book to read. I think you'll enjoy it as I did.
My complete review is posted at Rainbow Reviews
My complete review is posted at Rainbow Reviews
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
SHORT REVIEW: This holiday story features humor, hot sex scenes, real emotional depth, and complicated characters.
TITLE: Carol of the Bellskis
AUTHOR: Astrid Amara
PUBLISHER: Loose Id
GENRE: Contemporary, Comedy, Holiday
LENGTH: 30,438 words
SETTING: Seattle, Washington, USA and British Columbia, Canada
THEMES: coming out, in the closet, Hanukkah, dating the boss, lawyers, opposites (Jewish, non-Jewish)
TONE: funny, realistic, down-to-earth
VIEWPOINT: one third-person viewpoint (Set...more
SHORT REVIEW: This holiday story features humor, hot sex scenes, real emotional depth, and complicated characters.
TITLE: Carol of the Bellskis
AUTHOR: Astrid Amara
PUBLISHER: Loose Id
GENRE: Contemporary, Comedy, Holiday
LENGTH: 30,438 words
SETTING: Seattle, Washington, USA and British Columbia, Canada
THEMES: coming out, in the closet, Hanukkah, dating the boss, lawyers, opposites (Jewish, non-Jewish)
TONE: funny, realistic, down-to-earth
VIEWPOINT: one third-person viewpoint (Set...more
3 likes · like · see review
3.5 stars, rounding up to 4
This and the sequel Carol of the Bellskis are sweet and warm-hearted tales about Seth, a Jewish paralegal who is out and proud, and his closeted lover, the Christian lawyer Lars.
As with Amara's other Hanukkah-related story, Holiday Outing, this one also has a tiny bit of mystery to it. After fighting with -- and apparently breaking up with -- Lars because Lars refuses to come out, Seth heads alone to his aunt and uncle's Jewish Bed and Breakfast inn where both of the l...more
This and the sequel Carol of the Bellskis are sweet and warm-hearted tales about Seth, a Jewish paralegal who is out and proud, and his closeted lover, the Christian lawyer Lars.
As with Amara's other Hanukkah-related story, Holiday Outing, this one also has a tiny bit of mystery to it. After fighting with -- and apparently breaking up with -- Lars because Lars refuses to come out, Seth heads alone to his aunt and uncle's Jewish Bed and Breakfast inn where both of the l...more
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.0
Paralegal Seth Bellski has been secretly dating his boss, Lars Varga, founding partner of Finch & Varga Law, for the past year. Seth is out but Lars is not. Seth loves Lars but is tired of the secrecy (Lars even has a beard GF!). Seth begs Lars to spend Hanukkah with Seth's family at their kosher B&B in Whistler but when Lars refuses, it's one more disappointment in a string of disappointments and the final straw for Seth. Realizing that Lars will never come ou...more
Paralegal Seth Bellski has been secretly dating his boss, Lars Varga, founding partner of Finch & Varga Law, for the past year. Seth is out but Lars is not. Seth loves Lars but is tired of the secrecy (Lars even has a beard GF!). Seth begs Lars to spend Hanukkah with Seth's family at their kosher B&B in Whistler but when Lars refuses, it's one more disappointment in a string of disappointments and the final straw for Seth. Realizing that Lars will never come ou...more
1 like · like · see review
Seth is a paralegal and have been in a relationship with his boss, Lars, who is not out to his partner or people in the office. Tired of being kept secret, Seth demands Lars to tell the truth or break up. Lars doesn't give the answer Seth wants, so he heads up to a B & B runs by his aunt and uncle. But when he gets there, his aunt and uncle aren't, and Seth must handle a handful of guests, with Lars coming as well on the third night of Hanukah celebration ...
My other experience with Astrid A...more
My other experience with Astrid A...more
4 likes · like · see review
This is a fun, holiday themed story that is easy, light, and empty. Seth is involved with his closeted boss, Lars. When Lars refuses to go on vacation with Seth out of fear of discovery, it’s the last straw for Seth. Seth angrily breaks up with Lars and heads out to Canada to his family’s Bed and Breakfast. But the owners (Seth’s aunt/uncle) are missing and the guests are arriving.
The premise is cute but slightly overdone with easy solutions everywhere. Seth can’t cook but not to worry; Lars is...more
The premise is cute but slightly overdone with easy solutions everywhere. Seth can’t cook but not to worry; Lars is...more
2 likes · like · see review
This book was a fun and sexy read. Astrid created two very likeable characters dealing with a very real and common relationship issue...how do you maintain a relationship when one person is still in the closet?
Seth and Lars have been dating secretly for over a year. They both work for the same law firm. Only thing is that Seth is a paralegal and Lars is a partner. Seth wants Lars to go away with him on a vacation to his aunt and uncle's Kosher B&B the week of Hanukkah. At the last minute Lar...more
Seth and Lars have been dating secretly for over a year. They both work for the same law firm. Only thing is that Seth is a paralegal and Lars is a partner. Seth wants Lars to go away with him on a vacation to his aunt and uncle's Kosher B&B the week of Hanukkah. At the last minute Lar...more
OMG cant wait to read this, sooooo Astrid Amara! And it sound like Holiday Outing, isn't it?
*****
I was right! This story have the same feel with Holiday Outing; holiday romance with a flavor of chaos.
Seth Bellskisis a paralegal and secret lover of his boss, Seth Varga. When Lars refused to spend Hanukkah holiday alone with him, Seth realizeshe will never get his self-conscious boss out of the closet and decided broke up with him.
So Seth prepares to spend his Hanukkah holiday alone in the B and...more
*****
I was right! This story have the same feel with Holiday Outing; holiday romance with a flavor of chaos.
Seth Bellskisis a paralegal and secret lover of his boss, Seth Varga. When Lars refused to spend Hanukkah holiday alone with him, Seth realizeshe will never get his self-conscious boss out of the closet and decided broke up with him.
So Seth prepares to spend his Hanukkah holiday alone in the B and...more
Mar 02, 2010
Elisa Ramblings
added it
Carol of the Belliskis is probably one of the best romantic comedy I read lately. It starts with a breakup though. Seth and Lars are one years old lovers and everything seems perfect between them as the reader can understand from the first sentences, a very hot and lyrical sex scene, a sex scene that says and describes everything without using any “naughty” word. But it’s not all roses in Paradise, Seth and Lars are also colleague, Lars is a partner layer in the firm where Seth is a paralegal, b...more
Lately, I find myself enjoying books where the relationship has gone south for some reason, and the story either involves the fixing of said relationship, or the creation of a new one from the ashes.
This is a different take on the "boss and his secretary" cliche, as well as the "deeply closeted guy learns lesson and comes out" standard fare of many m/m books. It was clever and witty and technically sound.
There was enough hotness to make it steamy but not so much that I skipping the sex scenes...more
This is a different take on the "boss and his secretary" cliche, as well as the "deeply closeted guy learns lesson and comes out" standard fare of many m/m books. It was clever and witty and technically sound.
There was enough hotness to make it steamy but not so much that I skipping the sex scenes...more
Seth is angry. His boss and lover of a year, Lars Varga, has refused to come on holiday with him and refused to acknowledge their relationship. As a result, Seth has called it quits and left to enjoy the Hanukkah holiday solo.
He travels to his aunt and uncle's orthodox B and B in Whistler, British Columbia but when he gets there his relatives are missing and guests begin to arrive. Not knowing what else to do Seth acts as host. Matters get sticky when Lars shows up trying to patch up their rela...more
He travels to his aunt and uncle's orthodox B and B in Whistler, British Columbia but when he gets there his relatives are missing and guests begin to arrive. Not knowing what else to do Seth acts as host. Matters get sticky when Lars shows up trying to patch up their rela...more
9 likes · like · see review
Very good m/m Hanukkah romance about a paralegal who breaks up with his boyfriend (also his boss) because his closeted boss is backing out of their vacation plans. The paralegal heads off on vacation to his aunt and uncle’s kosher B&B alone… and finds himself taking care of all the guests, with his aunt and uncle nowhere to be found. Reread.
Jul 13, 2012
Kinny
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
awwwww,
feel-good,
guilty-pleasure-pile,
hilarious,
karma-rules,
loved-it,
mm,
mystery,
selfish-jerk
Lars was such a selfish asshole. Seth finally realized that he was being manipulated by Lars and dumps him before Hanukah and drives of to his aunt and uncle's inn. Well aunt and uncle are missing despite having guests that have already paid and Seth frantically tries to hold things together so his relatives do not lose their business. Well Lars shows up and BOY does Seth make him grovel.
I loved how Seth was so strong in his convictions not to take Lars back. Lars got his rude awakening on how...more
I loved how Seth was so strong in his convictions not to take Lars back. Lars got his rude awakening on how...more
This comes before "Miracle of the Bellskis" and they are probably a bit better read in order, but it's not essential. This story introduces us to Lars and Seth, one year into their relationship on the down low. Seth is tired of being the dirty secret for his lawyer boss and gives Lars an ultimatum. When Lars can't come through, Seth heads off for his aunt's B&B to spend a solitary holiday. Except that his aunt and uncle are nowhere to be found, a bunch of guests are on the doorstep, and keep...more
This was a sweet story, entertaining and funny (well at times outright hilarious), but with some serious topics adressed. Deeply closeted lawyer Lars is in love with his paralegal Seth, but he won't own up to the relationship, even gets himself a fake girlfriend for cover. In the beginning Seth thought he could cope with the secrecy, but as their relationship proceeds, Seth finds he can't anymmore. They break up over a vacation at Seth's aunt and uncle's which Lars promised to share, but backs o...more
Wow! Just wow! I think this book captures the way someone can realize how their actions hurt someone they love, and how they go about finding a solution.
I cheered Seth on when he dumped Lars' butt, because Lars totally deserved it. I cried for him as he struggled with his emotions when Lars comes after him, begging forgiveness. And my heart filled with joy near the end when... well, that would be a spoiler, wouldn't it?
I laughed out loud while reading about some of the antics of the hotel guests...more
I cheered Seth on when he dumped Lars' butt, because Lars totally deserved it. I cried for him as he struggled with his emotions when Lars comes after him, begging forgiveness. And my heart filled with joy near the end when... well, that would be a spoiler, wouldn't it?
I laughed out loud while reading about some of the antics of the hotel guests...more
A really beautiful story in my opinion.. I love it!!
3.75 stars, rounded up.
Why I read it: This book (and the next) has been on my wishlist for a while and I was reminded of them again in the comments of a recent Vacuous Minx post. So I went shopping.
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Paralegal Seth Bellski is tired of being the secret lover of his boss, Lars Varga, founding partner of Finch & Varga Law. So when he asks Lars to spend Hanukkah with Seth's family at their kosher B and B in Whistler, B.C., and Lars refuses, Seth realizes he will...more
Why I read it: This book (and the next) has been on my wishlist for a while and I was reminded of them again in the comments of a recent Vacuous Minx post. So I went shopping.
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Paralegal Seth Bellski is tired of being the secret lover of his boss, Lars Varga, founding partner of Finch & Varga Law. So when he asks Lars to spend Hanukkah with Seth's family at their kosher B and B in Whistler, B.C., and Lars refuses, Seth realizes he will...more
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I really like reading holiday stories it seems. I appreciated that this one is a Hanukkah story! It's not often that we get anything other than Christmas. I really liked Seth and Lars. Well I didn't like Lars at first. I started to like Lars when it became obvious that he really did love Seth - he just couldn't figure out how to live his life in the open. Obviously he wasn't a young man and we don't really know if he's had any other attractions to men, but he has a gre...more
Recommended Read
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/revie...
Paralegal Seth Bellski is tired of being his boss’s secret boyfriend. He may love Lars Varga, and his love may be returned, but Lars’s fears over what the other attorneys at his firm will think of him keeps him deep in the closet and it’s tearing him and Seth apart. When Lars calls off their plans to visit Seth’s aunt and uncle’s kosher B&B for Hanukkah, it’s the last straw for Seth. He breaks thi...more
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/revie...
Paralegal Seth Bellski is tired of being his boss’s secret boyfriend. He may love Lars Varga, and his love may be returned, but Lars’s fears over what the other attorneys at his firm will think of him keeps him deep in the closet and it’s tearing him and Seth apart. When Lars calls off their plans to visit Seth’s aunt and uncle’s kosher B&B for Hanukkah, it’s the last straw for Seth. He breaks thi...more
This was a cute little romance about a guy who ends up running his aunt and uncle's kosher B&B. The conflict sprouts between him and his boyfriend/boss, who won't come out. It's not much of a conflict, though, and this turns out to be a sweet romance, with perhaps too pat and ending, but a fun book to read all in one sitting. I like Amara's writing style a lot; the dialogue is funny and she manages to describe a lot of Jewish tradition without getting too preachy or explainy.
This is one of the first gay romance stories I (McKay) read when Ari and I started venturing into original m/m writing in order to get a sense of what was out there. The story was recommended to me, and I'd pass that recommendation forward to anyone who enjoys light, romantic, feel-good holiday stories. The characters are engaging, and the plot clips along at a nice pace. It's an excellent story to curl up and read with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
A very well written and engaging story.
Despite the rocky start I loved Lars almost instantly. Sure he was a bit of an ass at first but you just knew underneath there was a good guy struggling to come out.
Seth was lovely, and I really enjoyed the way he did not cave in at the first but instead stuck to his guns for what he believed.
The little mystery, and the B&B guests added to the story without taking over.
I really did enjoy this one.
Despite the rocky start I loved Lars almost instantly. Sure he was a bit of an ass at first but you just knew underneath there was a good guy struggling to come out.
Seth was lovely, and I really enjoyed the way he did not cave in at the first but instead stuck to his guns for what he believed.
The little mystery, and the B&B guests added to the story without taking over.
I really did enjoy this one.
6 likes · like · see review
It was actually quite adorable a story. Kind of pedestrian, but more of a nice back-to-the-basics type story. Then again, I've been reading some pretty out there stories lately, so that's probably why I'm so amenable to it. Still, I rather liked it and am looking forward to the next book. It's a nice, solid story, other than the wasted-but-still-can-maintain-an-erection thing.
This was a cute and entertaining story. I felt kinda bad for Seth that after the breakup he needed time alone and got thrown into such a drama with the B&B, never a dull moment for him. At first I thought Lars was a jerk, but he really was just scared and I liked how he stuck with trying to convince Seth. This was a feel good story.
3 likes · like · see review
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